SPICED CRANBERRY CONSERVE


1 12 oz. bag of fresh cranberries
Zest of 1 orange
½ cup dried berries mixture (cranberry, cherries, blueberries, strawberries)
½ cup of dried fruit (plums, apples, apricot, peaches, pear)
1 cup of water with 1 Tbsp. cherry concentrate
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup of water (for more intense flavor add dark cherry concentrate)
Cinnamon stick
Ground cloves

Sautee the cranberries in the butter over medium high heat.

Sprinkle over about ½ cup sugar and stir gently.

Add the chopped dried berries and fruit

Add the water slowly, stirring after each addition (similar to risotto). The cranberries will start to burst. But not all of them. You want texture. You want some whole berries. Continue to add the water gradually. Also continue to gradually add sugar. You may not need a whole cup. It depends on how sweet you like it.

Add the spices and the zest (not all of zest – too citrusy). Stir. Simmer. Stew.

Best served the next day (leave the cinnamon stick in overnight). Warm before serving.